Three Rivers recognizes the irreplaceable role that parents play in the lives of their children. For this reason, Three Rivers requires parental participation in their child's treatment. Their involvement directly affects their child's success during and after the program. During treatment, parents and teens communicate via letters. At every step of the process - from the parent's initial contact with Three Rivers until the final stage of transition - communication with the family is a major priority.

Overview of Family Involvement:

• Admissions: Feel free to talk with the admissions counselor to get your questions answered and to enroll your child.
• Parent Workshop: Parents are asked to attend a one and a half-day workshop that gives them practical tools.  The workshop takes place as soon after enrollment as possible.  We encourage both parents to participate in the workshop.  If both can't attend, we request at least one parent participate.  We have served many divorced families and will accommodate the parents' needs.  Parents may choose to attend a workshop together, or may prefer to attend separate workshops.  Our staff will work closely with you to meet your needs.
• Parenting Education: Consists of materials developed specifically for Three Rivers families. 
• Communication: This occurs with the Three Rivers therapist, as well as letters exchanged between you and your child throughout the program. Parents participate in weekly calls with the therapist and exchange letters with their child every week. In addition parents regularly receive photos and updates about their child's activities and progress.
• Family Days/Graduation: Parents are invited to spend two days and one night at the Base Camp with their son or daughter at the conclusion of the program.  We are well able to accommodate the needs of divorced families or parents with specific medical needs.  The final days are a celebration and transition either home or to the next placement.
• Transitional Services. Continuing support for parents and students after the teen graduates from Three Rivers is vital. Transitional Services are provided both for students going on to a boarding school after Three Rivers and for those immediately returning home.

Step #1: Admissions
After contacting Three Rivers, admissions staff will help you determine if Three Rivers can serve the needs of your child and the family. If you agree that Three Rivers is an appropriate place for your son or daughter, the admissions director will help you through every step of the admissions process. As part of the admissions process, parents are encouraged to choose a family therapist in their community who will work with them while their child is at Three Rivers. If your child requires treatment that Three Rivers does not provide, we can suggest other professionals who can help you with your selection.

Step #2: Introductory Parent Workshop at the Beginning of the Program
Parents are invited to attend a one and a half-day workshop at the beginning of the program. The workshop consists of a parenting seminar and an introduction to the Three Rivers Experience.  Parents discover they aren't alone.  They can share questions and ideas with other parents, the seminar presenter, and their therapist.  Parents gain practical tools that have proven successful with teens.  We require at least one parent to attend.  We understand that in some divorced families, both parents may want to attend but are not comfortable attending the same workshop.  We have worked with many divorced families.  We can accommodate the needs for separate workshops when needed.

Step #3:
   a. Communication with Three Rivers Staff while the Adolescent is in the Program While the teen is in the program, the therapist talks with the parents at least once a week.  In addition, the therapist will communicate with the educational consultant and the family therapist. These conversations focus on the progress of the child, as well as any issues that may have arisen most recently.  The therapist works closely with the parents and child to ensure attention to important issues.  Consistent communication ensures that the treatment plan is relevant and useful for the parent and child. The therapist will also use these weekly talks to work with the parents creating a transitional plan either for the child's transition to a boarding school or return home.  Three Rivers is an individualized program, and will work with the parents to help ensure each is comfortable with the manner in which communication is handled.

    b. Communication between Parents and Child
Throughout the program, parents and children communicate through letters. Letters are a powerful form of communication while the student is in the wilderness. Students often cherish these letters as reminders of home. The letters offer hope as well as provide the vehicle for the students and parents to broach difficult issues. Three Rivers therapists provide guidance to parents and students when writing letters about specific issues. Parents regularly receive photos and updates of their child plus Three Rivers always welcomes calls from parents.

Step #4: Family Days/Graduation
Parents are invited to attend a two-day celebration of their child's achievement at the conclusion of his or her wilderness experience. Students and parents meet at base camp to spend time together getting reacquainted. Students are empowered by having the opportunity to demonstrate their new wilderness skills by taking responsibility for their parents during the activities.  Tipis and wall-tents heated with wood stoves are available during cold or wet weather. Parents and children use this time to prepare for the teenager's transition to living either at home or at a boarding school. The therapist facilitates the transition for families in therapy sessions. Three Rivers staff is readily available to help the family with the process.  The two days at the Base Camp are a wonderful celebration and a new start.  In some families in which parents are divorced, it is more comfortable for the mother and father to camp separately.  If both parents would like to attend their child's graduation, but the mother and father do not want to camp together, Three Rivers will make arrangements that will meet the family's needs.

Step #5:  Transitional Services
Click here to learn about Three Rivers Transitional Services.

Parent Workshop Schedule
One and a half day Parent Seminars are held most Fridays and Saturdays at Three Rivers Montana.  Parents may attend a course for no charge for the first year after their child graduates.  To obtain a specific class schedule or to register for a class, please contact the Admissions office.